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JOHN PATAKI Obituary
Dr. John Pataki, 91 Beloved husband of Marta S., nee Herskovics for 60 years; loving father of Adrienne (Matthew) Hamer; dear brother of Dr. Stephan (Miriam) Pataki; fond uncle of Vivien (Dr. Paul) Zeman, Corinne (Dr. Daniel) Merlin, and Ronald (Eakkalack) Pataki; cousin to Suzanne Rado, Laci (Anita) Farago, Andrew (Vera) Feldheim, Tibor Kleinman, Laci (Agi) Kleinman, and Stephan Kleinman; and friend to many. Displaced from his native Hungary, Dr. Pataki received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich in 1943. After a brief period in Bogota, Columbia, he emigrated to Mexico City, where he met his cherished wife. Here, he worked for Syntex Laboratories, participating in groundbreaking research in the synthesis of hormones and steroids, including cortisone. In 1962, the Patakis moved to Chicago where he devoted his career to cancer research at the Ben May Institute at the University of Chicago. Services Friday, 11 a.m. at Congregation Rodfei Zedek, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615 Interment Oak Woods Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 820 Davis Street, Suite 400, Evanston, IL 60201 or Congregation Rodfei Zedek. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com 
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5 Entries
Carolyn Fording
October 27, 2010
Adrienne,
As another person who wrote a message of condolence said, it's been a long time. We were classmates at Washington University 20 years ago and I went to the reunion a couple of weeks ago. I was trying to reconnect with some people via Facebook and came across your dad's obituary. I am so sorry to hear of his death. Both of your parents were always warm and kind to me. Your dad will be sorely missed by all who knew him. You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Michiko Romm
August 7, 2010
Dear Adrienne,
Just to refresh your memory, I am Michiko (Hayatsu) Romm - your long time Hyde Park friend from decades ago.
I think I saw you in the distance yesterday evening as you were walking by the Museum of Contemporary Art, while I was walking around the Chicago Park District track. I was not able to catch up with you, so of course, I did what anyone in this internet age would do - I googled your name, which led me to this listing regarding your father.
Needless to say, you and your mother are both in my thoughts and prayers right now. I always remembered your father as a warm-hearted, intelligent, strong and silent gentleman.....and I still chuckle when I remember hearing your mother call him "Yanny".
You both have my utmost sympathies for your loss, as I also lost my father 8 years ago.
I know it has been a very long time since I was last in touch with you and your mother, and I hope that this moment will somehow enable us to get back in touch again. I wish you both the very best moving forward, and I still cherish all the memories of our wonderful friendship after all these years (email: [email protected]).
Mary Friedlieb
July 29, 2010
Adrienne and Mrs. Pataki, my sincere condolences on your loss of your dear father and husband. May your many fond memories of happy times together help you through this difficult time just as my own wonderful memories have helped me through the loss of both my father and mother in this past year and a half. His influence and soul will be with you always. Take care of yourselves and seek the help of family and friends in your grief.
Celia Neri
July 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Jane Booker
July 29, 2010
May the blessings of love be upon you
May its peace abide with you
May its essence illuminate your heart
Now and forever more . . . .
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